Safety belt retractor reel locking mechanism

ABSTRACT

A spring rewound safety belt retraction reel is releasably locked in a belt retracted condition, to relieve the spring rewinding tension on the extended belt, by a swingable latching member which is spring urged into engagement with a reel mounted abutment when the belt is partially or fully withdrawn. In one form the locking abutment is covered by the wound belt and is exposed for locking engagement when the belt is fully withdrawn and in another form the abutment is located on the reel flange and the latching member is held by the wound belt out of locking engagement with the abutment until the belt is at least partially withdrawn. A selectively manipulated member is connected to the locking member to facilitate its release.

United States Patent Takada [54] SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR REEL LOCKINGMECHANISM [72] Inventor: Takezo Takada, Hikone, Japan [73] Assignee:Takata Kojyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo,

Japan [22] Filed: Dec. 2, 1970 [21] Appl. N0.: 94,375

[52] US. Cl ..242/ 107.4, 242/ 107.6 [51] Int. Cl. ..A62b 35/00 [58]Field of Search ..242/107 R, 107 SB, 107.12,

[ 51 Oct. 3, 1972 l/l970 Curran et al ..242/107.4 5/l970 Board et al...242/l07.4

[57] ABSTRACT A spring rewound safety belt retraction reel is releasablylocked in a belt retracted condition, to relieve the spring rewindingtension on the extended belt, by a swingable latching member which isspring urged into engagement with a reel mounted abutment when the beltis partially or fully withdrawn. ln one form the locking abutment iscovered by the wound belt and is exposed for locking engagement when thebelt is fully withdrawn and in another form the abutment is located onthe reel flange and the latching member is held by the wound belt out oflocking engagement with the abutment until the belt is at leastpartially withdrawn. A selectively manipulated member is connected tothe locking member to facilitate its release.

7 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENIEDHMQ I912 SHEEI 1 [IF 3 TlEl.

INVENTOR ZZKEZa'fi/KADA ATT NEY PATENTEDH T m2 3.695.546

SHEET 2 [1F 3 INVENTOR 72 K520 721/0104 Y WNW ATTORNEY PAIENTEDnm a 19123.695.546

N V ENTO R [4%[20 72/4440/1 ATTORNEY SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR REEL LOCKINGMECHANISM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relatesgenerally to improvements in vehicle safety belt devices and it relatesparticularly to an improved belt retractor reel. v In the conventionalvehicle seat belt retractor reel, the belt is either withdrawn its fulllength or only for a portion of its length as effected by the braking ofthe forward rotation of the reel. However, the reel, under the influenceof a loaded rewinding spring continuously urges the belt towards itsretracted position. The retractive force is transmitted by the belt tothe occupant and is highly uncomfortable and applies a greatlyoppressive pressure to the belted and these reels possess numerousdraw-backs and leave much to be desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is a principal object of the presentinvention to provide an improved vehicle safety belt mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved safetybelt retractor reel.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedbelt retractor reel in which the discomfort to the passenger attendantto the retractor force imparted to the belt by the reel is obviated.

The above and other objects of the present invention will becomeapparent from a reading of the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferredembodiments thereof.

In a sense the present invention contemplates the provision of a safetybelt retractor comprising a reel including a shaft, a belt connectedtoand windable on the reel shaft, the reel being rotated in a firstdirection with the withdrawal of the belt and rotatable in a secondopposite direction to retract the belt, a windup spring urging the reelto rotate in said second direction, a movable locking member resilientlyurged toward engagement with the shaft and restricted against saidengagement by the belt wound on the reel, means responsive to thelocking member engaging the shaft for releasably locking the reelagainst rotation in the second direction, and selectively actuated meansfor releasing the locking means. The locking member is advantageously arockably mounted lever and includes a stop element releasably engaging ashoulder rotatable with the shaft.

The improved reel is simple, rugged and reliable, and positivelyreleasably locks the reel against retraction of the withdrawn belt andhence relieves the pressure on the seat occupant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of aretractor reel embodying the present invention shown in a belt extendedcondition;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the presentinvention illustrated in a belt extended condition;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 with the belt shown in its retractedcondition;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspectiveview thereof;

FIGS. 6 (a) to (d) are side elevational views of another reel embodyingthe present invention shown in successive stages from the belt fullyretracted to fully withdrawn position;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view thereof; and

FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the bracket and reel assemblythereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings,particularly FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof which illustrate a preferredembodiment of the present invention the reference numerals l and 1'generally designate the side plates or frames of the bracket of theimproved retractor. A rotatable shaft 2 extends between plates 1 and land has attached thereto by means of a split sleeve 3, the looped end ofa safety belt through which it extends. A housed, coiled rewind spring 4has an end connected to an end of shaft 2 and urges the shaft to a beltrewind or retracted position. A sleeve 6 engages the inner looped end ofthe safety belt which engages the sleeve 3 and is provided with a slot 5an edge of which defines a locking shoulder or abutment of the reellocking mechanism. The reel bracket includes a base plate 7 suitablysecured in position by a bolt 8 and to which a resilient stop or lockingmember 9 is suitably rockably mounted and is provided with inwardlyprojecting stop elements 10 which are urged into engagement withrespective apertures 5 under the influence of stop member 9. Projectinglongitudinally outwardly from the stop member 9 is a handle member 11.It should be noted that while only two locking apertures 5 and two stopelements 10 are illustrated, any desired number may be employed.Moreover, collar 6 and stop member 9 may be formed of a suitable metalor synthetic resin.

Considering the operation of theretractor reel, when the belt is in itsfully retracted position as effected by rewind spring 4, the belt iswound on the reel and the stop elements 10 are resiliently urged intosliding engagement with the outside face of the reel wound belt. Uponfull withdrawal of the belt,the shaft 2 is turned to load spring 4 andapertures 5 are exposed by the unwound belt and the stop elements 10 areurged into engagement therewith to releasably lock the reel in itsspring loaded unwound condition. Accordingly no force is transmitted tothe withdrawn belt and no oppressive force is, as a result, applied tothe occupant. When the belt is to be released it is unbuckled and handlemember 11 pulled outwardly to retract stop elements 1] from apertures ,5whereby to unlock and release the reel which .is rotated by spring 4 torewind the belt to its retracted position. Other arrangements may besubstituted for stop members 6 and 9 to releasably lock the reelaccording to the present invention.

In FIG. 3 to 5 there is illustrated another embodiment of the presentinvention in which a bracket member includes side plates 101,, 101' anda shaft 102 extends between and is journalled to plates 101, 101' and isurged to rotate in a belt retracting direction by a suitably housedrewind spring 104 engaging an end of shaft 102 to retract and wind thebelt. A split collar 103 engaging the shaft 102 telescopes the loopedend of the safety belt to secure it to the shaft.

A second collar engages the outer face of the belt loop on shaft 102 andis provided with a longitudinal slot 105 bordered by a longitudinallyextending stop shoulder defining strip 106. The bracket base plate 107is provided with an anchor bolt receiving aperture and bracket plates101 and 101 are provided with axially aligned openings which are engagedby transverse pivot pins 108 transversely projecting from an angulatedstop member 109 terminating at its top in a stop element 110, the stopmember 109 being rockable about the axis of pins 108 to move stopelement 110 into and out of engagement with shoulder 106.

A spring 112 engages lock member 109 to urge it counterclockwise towardits reel locking position. A centrally apertured circular plate 113 anda split lock ring 114 engage shaft 102 to prevent its axial movement andthe coil spring housing is secured in position by a set screw 115.Extending longitudinally from and secured to the bottom of lock member109 is a push member 111 provided at its free end with a buckle platereceiving pocket 111' and the reel assembly and push member are enclosedby a protective cover 116. While the push member 111 is illustrated asformed of wire it may be formed of sheet material as well.

In the belt retracted position of the retractor reel last described asshown in FIG. 4, lock member 109 is in its unlock clockwise positionurged counter-clockwise by spring 1 12 into engagement with the beltwound on the reel. The belt buckle plate is inserted in the pocket 111.When the belt is withdrawn it is unwound from the reel until theshoulder 106 is uncovered by the belt and moves counter-clockwise pastthe stop element 110 and the reel is thus prevented from rewinding thebelt since the stop element 110 is in the return path of and abuts theshoulder 106. By pushing member 111 inwardly stop member 109 is rockedto swing stop element 110 out of the path of shoulder 106 and permitsthe spring rotation of the reel and the rewinding and retraction of thebelt which covers the shoulder 106 so as to maintain the reel in itsunlocked condition.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 to 8 of the drawings which illustrates anotherembodiment of the present invention which differs from that lastdescribed primarily in that the stop shoulders are formed on the reelflanges and are not masked by the belt. Specifically the retractor reelincludes a bracket having side plates 201 and 201 which rotatablysupport a wind-up shaft 202 which is urged in a rewind direction by ahousing enclosed windup spring 204 engaging the shaft. The shaft isrestricted against axial movement by an annulus 213 and a lock ring 214engaging the shaft end section and the spring housing is secured to abracket plate by a screw 215.

A pair of circular plates 205 having radially extending recesses 205'formed in their peripheral edges are mounted on and are rotatable withshaft 202 and positioned along the inside faces of plates 201 and 201.An angulated stop member 209 is rockably supported between bracketplates 201 and 201 by pins 208 transversely projecting from stop member209 into engagement with apertures in the bracket plates. A suitablymounted spring 212 urges stop member 209 in a counter-clockwisedirection as viewed in FIG. 6, stop member 209 being provided at itsupper outer end with laterally projecting stop elements 210 which areurged toward engagement with recesses 205' by the spring biased stopmember 209. A push member 211 extends longitudinally from the bottom ofstop member 209 and terminates in a pocket 211. The collars 203 and 206the belt and shaft in the manners of collars 103 and 106 previouslydescribed.

In the operation of the reel last described, withdrawal of the belt isnormally permitted by reason of the locking elements being restrainedfrom locking engagement with recesses 205' by the belt wound on the reelbearing on the inside face of stop member 209. However, upon withdrawalof a sufficient length of the belt, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), even thoughsome turns of the belt remain on the reel, the spring biased stopmemberis permitted to swing the stop elements 210 into locking engagement withrecesses 205'. If it is desired to withdraw a further turn of belt orthe full length of belt, the member 211 is pushed in to retract stopelements 210 from recesses 205' and the belt withdrawn the desiredamount and push member 409 is then released to permit reengagement ofrecesses 205' by stop elements 210 and the locking of the reel.

lclaim:

1. A safety belt retractor comprising a reel including a shaft, a beltconnected to and windable on said reel shaft, said reel being rotated ina first direction with the withdrawal of said belt and rotatable in asecond opposite direction to retract said belt, a windup spring urgingsaid reel to rotate in said second direction, a movable locking memberresiliently urged toward engagement with said shaft and restrictedagainst said engagement by the belt wound on said reel, means responsiveto said locking member engaging said shaft for releasably locking saidreel against rotation in said second direction, and selectively actuatedmeans for releasing said locking means.

2. The safety belt retractor of claim 1 wherein said locking meansreleasably locks said reel against rotation in any direction,

3. The safety belt retractor of claim 1 wherein said locking meanscomprises means defining a shoulder rotatable with said reel and facingsaid second direction, said movable locking member being resilientlyurged toward engagement with said shoulder.

4. The safety belt retractor of claim 3 wherein said reel includes aperipheral flange rotatable therewith and having a recess formed in theperiphery thereof, an edge of said recess defining said shoulder, and abelt sensing member mounted on said locking member and movable with themovement of said locking member into engagement with said belt on saidreel.

5. The safety belt retractor of claim 3 wherein said release meanscomprises a finger piece connected to said locking member.

6. A safety belt retractor comprising a reel including an axial shaft, abelt connected to and windable on said shaft, said reel being rotated ina first direction with the withdrawal of said belt and rotatable in asecond opposite direction to retract said belt, a windup spring urgingsaid reel to rotate in said second direction, means defining a shoulderlocated on and rotatable with said shaft and facing said seconddirection and being covered by the belt wound on said shaft, releasablelocking means including a movable locking member resiliently urgedtoward engagement with said shoulder and restricted against saidengagement by the belt wound on said shaft, and selectively actuatedmeans for releasing said locking means.

7. A safety belt retractor comprising a bracket having a pair of spacedarms, a reel extending between and rotatably supported by said arms, abelt connected to said reel, said reel being rotated in a firstdirection with the withdrawal of said belt and rotatable in a secondopposite direction'to retract said belt, a windup spring urging saidreel to rotate in said second direction, means defining a shoulderrotatable with said reel and facing said second direction, a windupspring urging said reel to rotate in said second direction, a lockingsaid first end and extending longitudinally from said bracket.

8. The safety belt retractor of claim 7 including a belt bucklereceiving socket positioned on the free end of said push member andfacing outwardly thereof.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CO @ECTION Dated October 3,1972 Patent No 3 695 ,546

TAKEZO TAKADA Inventor (K) It is certified that error appears in theabove-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below:

-- [30] Foreign Application priority Data December 3, 1969 Japan........44-114342 Signed and sealed this 3rd 'dey of April 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Commissioner of PatentsAttesting Officer USCOMM-DC 50375-P59 U.S, GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICEi959 O-366-334 F OHM PO-105O (10-69)

1. A safety belt retractor comprising a reel including a shaft, a beltconnected to and windable on said reel shaft, said reel being rotated ina first direction with the withdrawal of said belt and rotatable in asecond opposite direction to retract said belt, a windup spring urgingsaid reel to rotate in said second direction, a movable locking memberresiliently urged toward engagement with said shaft and restrictedagainst said engagement by the belt wound on said reel, means responsiveto said locking member engaging said shaft for releasably locking saidreel against rotation in said second direction, and selectively actuatedmeans for releasing said locking means.
 2. The safety belt retractor ofclaim 1 wherein said locking means releasably locks said reel againstrotation in any direction.
 3. The safety belt retractor of claim 1wherein said locking means comprises means defining a shoulder rotatablewith said reel and facing said second direction, said movable lockingmember being resiliently urged toward engagement with said shoulder. 4.The safety belt retractor of claim 3 wherein said reel includes aperipheral flange rotatable therewith and having a recess formed in theperiphery thereof, an edge of said recess defining said shoulder, and abelt sensing member mounted on said locking member and movable with themovement of said locking member into engagement with said belt on saidreel.
 5. The safety belt retractor of claim 3 wherein said release meanscomprises a finger piece connected to said locking member.
 6. A safetybelt retractor comprising a reel including an axial shaft, a beltconnected to and windable on said shaft, said reel being rotated in afirst direction with the withdrawal of said belt and rotatable in asecond opposite direction to retract said belt, a windup spring urgingsaid reel to rotate in said second direction, means defining a shoulderlocated on and rotatable with said shaft and facing said seconddirection and being covered by the belt wound on said shaft, releasablelocking means including a movable locking member resiliently urgedtoward engagement with said shoulder and restricted against saidengagement by the belt wound on said shaft, and selectively actuatedmeans for releasing said locking means.
 7. A safety belt retractorcomprising a bracket having a pair of spaced arms, a reel extendingbetween and rotatably supported by said arms, a belt connected to saidreel, said reel being rotated in a first direction with the withdrawalof said belt and rotatable in a second opposite direction to retractsaid belt, a windup spring urging said reel to rotate in said seconddirection, means defining a shoulder rotatable with said reel and facingsaid second direction, a windup spring urging said reel to rotate insaid second direction, a locking lever having an element proximate afirst end thereof movable into and out of engagement with said shoulderand restricted against said engagement by the belt wound on said reel,said lever being mounted on said bracket for rocking about an axisbetween the ends of said lever, and release means including a pushmember connected to said lever proximate and end remote from said firstend and extending longitudinally from said bracket.
 8. The safety beltretractor of claim 7 including a belt buckle receiving socket positionedon the free end of said push member and facing outwardly thereof.